23 Nov 2017

Chief organiser of Diamond City Concerts to be held at the National Stadium on December 2 says it is all systems go for the much anticipated event set to host two of Nigeria’s music heavyweights in WizKid and Burna Boy.

Speaking at a media brief recently, Bruce Nkgakile said so far VVIP tickets, which retailed for P2 500 were sold out and bronze tickets at P200 would soon run out.

“Ticket sales are doing very well and I want to also inform people that they should look out for our Black Friday ticket price slash,” he said.

Some of the other local artists set to perform at the event include Scar, Team Distant, Ban T, Luzkat & Drak, Amo Ski Mask, Mlesho, Dj Cudy, Ricky Lamar, Dj Cupid, Chrispin Tha Drummer, Dj Nt Base, Dj Phouboy, Dj Bino, Mr Yummy, Groovy Soul, Dj Anthem, Strictly House Bond, Dj Tosh, Unanimous 1, Dark Boy Massie, Ndox and De ja Vu.

Nkgakile was also ecstatic to announce about P1 million partnership with DSTV, which would translate to local artistes getting intrenational exposure.

“They have also given us their channels such as SuperSport, Vuzu Amp and Channel O amongst others to promote our Diamond City Concerts event,” he said.

He also indicated that Ringo Madlingozi, Sjava and Freshlyground both from South Africa would be performing on the said date.

Nkgakile said the Diamond City Concerts was a prestigious event, which intends to bring life to  Gaborone City Council’s (GCC) vision of ramming up urban tourism.

He said they were continuing the legacy of GCC of making Gaborone a diamond city that was started off by former Gaborone mayor, Haskins Nkaigwa.

“Our main objective is to sell Gaborone to the rest of the world and promote urban tourism. We are located at the centre of Southern Africa and we need to show a bit of life so as to have people coming here to relax and have fun,” he said.

Speaking on concerns that Diamond City Concerts might be a once off thing, Nkgakile said this was far from the truth.

“The investment that we have poured into this initiative is massive and we are looking to be around for a while and do what we can for the creative arts industry in Botswana and have some of our local artists collaborating with these international artists,” he said.

He indicated that they were aiming to bring one of international artists either Beyonce, Jay-Z, Chris Brown, Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar to the next next Diamond City Concerts event.

“The deal has already been signed and sealed and for now I do not want to spoil the surprise as we will properly announce details maybe at the December 2 gig,” he said.

Nkgakile noted that they would South African socialite, Nicole Nyaba at My Kind of Place (MKOP) on Saturday.

Also, he said they would host another party still at MKOP on December 1 as a build hype to the Diamond City Concerts.

He encouraged revellers to use their park and ride service on the day of the event as this would help with issues of safety.

“The road that passes in front of Avani to the UB Circle and the one passing in front of UB will be cordoned off and we will not allow any private vehicles there. Private vehicles will be parked at GSS grounds and we have arranged shuttles and buses to transport people to the venue. This will also allow us to give way for any medical and security emergencies when the need arises,” said Nkagile.

For his part, event promoter Gilbert Seagile said so far, ticket sales were showing that 30 per cent of the majority of buyers would be coming from Lesotho and other South African towns.

He noted that the safety and security of patrons was paramount to the success of the event and as such they were not leaving anything to chance.

“We are in partnership with Botswana Police and we have also engaged Security Systems, which is a reputable Botswana owned company when it comes to issues of security,” he said.

Seagile said they would a conduct a site visit with Botswana Police and Security Systems to finalise security measures.

“I would also like to appeal to Batswana to welcome WizKid at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport on November 30 at 745am. Let us make him feel welcome and please let us also utilise him for the three days that he will be here in Gaborone,” he said.

He further noted that they had also changed kick off times for the event from 12pm to 10am.

Silver tickets go for P300 and Gold tickets retail for P450. 

All tickets are available at all Liquorama stores countrywide. ENDS